<p>I am currently in the process of writing my college essay. I was essentially abandoned by my parents, due to mental illness, and have been raised by my grandparents. I am also incredibly passionate about my volunteer work and volunteer 2-3 times a week in my school's special needs classroom. I have been doing this for the past three years and have developed very close relationships with the students. My question is, which should I write about? My friends say that my past is my "ticket" to college. However, I disagree. I do not think that being placed in a negative situation makes you a good/interesting person.What do you think?</p>
<p>What’s important is not what has transpired, but what you have done with your situation. Can you find the sublime in your past experiences?</p>
<p>It would be good to talk about your past. But talk about how it has contributed to who you are now (in a good way).</p>
<p>Find the hope.</p>